Author
Topic: what do priests do all day? (Read 12422 times)

What do Orthodox priests do all day? I'm referring to the parish priests, not monks. Do most of them have outside (secular) jobs? Or, are they busy ministering to the sick, the invalids, etc.? Etc. Besides Sunday liturgy, what do Orthodox priests (especially in the U.S.) actually *do* ? Thank you for any responses.

What do Orthodox priests do all day?ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š I'm referring to the parish priests, not monks.ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š Do most of them have outside (secular) jobs?ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š Or, are they busy ministering to the sick, the invalids, etc.?ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š Etc.ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š Besides Sunday liturgy, what do Orthodox priests (especially in the U.S.) actually *do* ?ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š Thank you for any responses.

Being a priest is a great Job. If You're a Greek Priest, you only have to work about 2 hours one day a week. Russian Priests have it a bit harder, they have to work about 45 minutes on saturday night, a as long as 3-4 hours on sunday morning, but most of them tend to survive. LOL

Seriously though, it really depends on the Parish. In a large Parish the Priest tends to be an administrator, ensuring that the Parish runs as smoothly as possible, though he still has the responsibility of the Sacraments (though in the largest parishes, often that is all he has time to do; some will find a small amount of time for counciling). In smaller parishes where the administrative expectations are less demanding they may be able to spend more time counciling and tending to the various spiritual needs of their flock.

Logged

"The liberties of people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them." -- Patrick Henry

What do Orthodox priests do all day? I'm referring to the parish priests, not monks. Do most of them have outside (secular) jobs? Or, are they busy ministering to the sick, the invalids, etc.? Etc. Besides Sunday liturgy, what do Orthodox priests (especially in the U.S.) actually *do* ? Thank you for any responses.

They can not make enough money as Priests to support their families (as their salary is only about A$ 200 p/w -as priests).

So, they work as cab drivers. Their shifts are 12 hrs a day (as taxi drivers) and whilst on shift they manage to visit all of us in the parish, all of 3 jails in Perth and every hospital (there are 9 hospitals in Perth)( also do some other things that Serbian Priest has to do) and they manage to do this twice a week. Their wives do much the same.

I do not know about others, but these two I know are saints so they are their wives.

Being a priest is a great Job. If You're a Greek Priest, you only have to work about 2 hours one day a week. Russian Priests have it a bit harder, they have to work about 45 minutes on saturday night, a as long as 3-4 hours on sunday morning, but most of them tend to survive. LOL

Vigil (Vespers + Matins + 1st Hour) lasts about 3-4 hours in a traditional Russian church, 2-3 hours Sunday morning for the (3rd & 6th Hours + Divine Liturgy) In a traditional Greek church there is an hour long Vespers Saturday night and Sunday morning there is Orthros and Divine Liturgy which will last about 4-5 hours or so.

Greeks tend to pay their clergy well and Russians tend not to, requiring the priests to work outside the Church as well. Traditional priests that do not work outside the Church (and some that do) will offer services every day (Some Vespers and Matins daily while others will do the full cycle of services).

[quote author=ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ÂÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¹ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ÂºÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¿ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â»ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¬ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¿ÃƒÆ’Ã‚ÂÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…Â¡ ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚ÂÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¹ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¬ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ÂºÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¿ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â½ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¿ÃƒÆ’Ã‚ÂÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…Â¡ link=topic=6599.msg86139#msg86139 date=1120710291]Vigil (Vespers + Matins + 1st Hour) lasts about 2.5-3.5 hours in a traditional Russian church, 2-2.5 hours Sunday morning for the (3rd & 6th Hours + Divine Liturgy) In a traditional Greek church there is an hour long Vespers Saturday night and Sunday morning there is Orthros and Divine Liturgy which will last about 2.5-3 hours or so (for Orthros and Divine Liturgy).

Greeks tend to pay their clergy well while others tend to pay less, sometimes requiring the priests to work outside the Church as well. Traditional priests that do not work outside the Church (and some that do) might even offer services every day (Some Vespers and Matins daily while others will do the full cycle of services).[/quote] I corrected your typos.

I have never been to a (St. John Chrysostom) liturgy that lasted longer than about 1.5 hours; even with Hours we are talking 2 hours at the most. Though I do have to admit, when I went to a liturgy in the Greek language it felt like 3-4 hours.

[quote author=ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ÂÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¹ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ÂºÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¿ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â»ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¬ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¿ÃƒÆ’Ã‚ÂÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…Â¡ ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚ÂÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¹ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¬ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ÂºÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¿ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â½ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¿ÃƒÆ’Ã‚ÂÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…Â¡ link=topic=6599.msg86139#msg86139 date=1120710291]Vigil (Vespers + Matins + 1st Hour) lasts about 3-4 hours in a traditional Russian church, 2-3 hours Sunday morning for the (3rd & 6th Hours + Divine Liturgy) In a traditional Greek church there is an hour long Vespers Saturday night and Sunday morning there is Orthros and Divine Liturgy which will last about 4-5 hours or so.

Greeks tend to pay their clergy well and Russians tend not to, requiring the priests to work outside the Church as well. Traditional priests that do not work outside the Church (and some that do) will offer services every day (Some Vespers and Matins daily while others will do the full cycle of services).[/quote]

That's right the Russians do a Vigil service taking up half the night, should have known better. As far as my time for the Greek Priest, that's the Typical American Parish, Vespers is a rarity in GOA Parishes.

Logged

"The liberties of people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them." -- Patrick Henry

Being a priest is a great Job. If You're a Greek Priest, you only have to work about 2 hours one day a week. Russian Priests have it a bit harder, they have to work about 45 minutes on Saturday night, a as long as 3-4 hours on sunday morning, but most of them tend to survive. LOL

Seriously though, it really depends on the Parish. In a large Parish the Priest tends to be an administrator, ensuring that the Parish runs as smoothly as possible, though he still has the responsibility of the Sacraments (though in the largest parishes, often that is all he has time to do; some will find a small amount of time for counseling). In smaller parishes where the administrative expectations are less demanding they may be able to spend more time counseling and tending to the various spiritual needs of their flock.

45 minutes??? for vigil??? The shortest ROCOR vigil I've ever been to is 1.5 hours. Shortest liturgy... well, about 1.25 hours. Most ROCOR priests I know have secular jobs. My dad, who's retired as of 3 weeks ago, worked as a highschool music teacher for 20 years. My grandfather, who's been a priest for about 35 years, worked as an engineer until retirement age. Some of the various secular professions of priests that I know - Truck driver, university professor, substitute teacher, talk-radio host, independent contractor, computer engineer... the list goes on and on. On top of having to support their own families, they spend their weekends serving vigil and liturgy, performing baptisms, marriages, "trebi." Often after or before church they administer the "church school." They also have to act as administrator of the church.At any random hour they can be called to the bedside of a sick or dying person. During the week they often miss secular work for spiritual emergencies and funerals. Their parishioners often think that they can call upon their priest at any hour for any random thing (and some things are rather ridiculous). Also, if the priest lives right next to the church, they can often expect random people showing up from far away asking if they could spend the night as to be able to attend church services. This person might be a friend of a parishoner, or just someone random. Since they live next to the church, they can also expect parishioners knocking on their door, needing to "talk to batushka." This happens all the time, whether batushka is just sitting down for dinner, in the shower, or taking a nap. Parishoners often invade the priest's home after services, whether the priest or his matushka want it or not. It's really not a bad life, but GiC got my dander up, with that statement.Anyway, it's almost 11AM, I really should do some work around here.

Logged

Now where were we? Oh yeah - the important thing was I had an onion on my belt, which was the style at the time. They didnÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢t have white onions because of the war. The only thing you could get was those big yellow ones...

ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ÂÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¹ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ÂºÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¿ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â»ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¬ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¿ÃƒÆ’Ã‚ÂÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…Â¡ ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚ÂÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¹ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¬ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ÂºÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¿ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â½ÃƒÆ’Ã…Â½Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¿ÃƒÆ’Ã‚ÂÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…Â¡ ,I'm giving you about an hour for Orthros in my range. In your typical American Orthodox parish (choose your jurisdiction), Liturgy will NEVER (not counting Pentecost w/ kneeling vespers or other feasts) last longer than 2 hours, usually in the 1:15 to 1:45 range. My parish is usually around 1:45-2, but we do every litany, have long communion lines, announcements and then several commemorations (God Grant you, Memory Eternal or abbreviated Panakhida, etc.).

Ania,I think GiC just means Great Vespers lasting 45 mins - which is a bit on the speedy side for us. Usually closer to an hour. I'm more surprised that you experienced a Vigil in a ROCOR parish of only 1.5 hrs! At Holy Trinity in SF, their Sat Night Ressurection Vigil is 2 hrs flat. They don't skip anything either. I refer to it as "speed Vigil" (like speed dating). They just chant and sing so fast you can't even understand it sometimes even if English is your first language!

45 minutes???ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š for vigil???ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š The shortest ROCOR vigil I've ever been to is 1.5 hours...

I was refering to Vespers, the fact that the Russians do this strange vigil and sing about getting up for the sunrise (in the Orthros Service) just after the sun set slipped my mind.

I am aware that certain Jurisdictions expect their priests to hold secular jobs, which is quite unfortunate. The GOA, in general, does not (nor do the Antiochians, in general, though they dont support their priests quite as well as the Greeks)...most Bishops in the GOA tend to take good care of their Priests and will not send them to parishes unable to support them.

Logged

"The liberties of people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them." -- Patrick Henry

I was refering to Vespers, the fact that the Russians do this strange vigil and sing about getting up for the sunrise (in the Orthros Service) just after the sun set slipped my mind.

Right, the Russians keep the practice of the Sabbaitic typikon which the Greeks modified in 1888. So in other words, the Russian practice (which is also followed on Athos, in various cathedrals in Greece, and even in some parish churches on special occasions) is the older one and the Greek one a concession to weakness. I prefer Greek practice in most regards but not here. Vigils are wonderful.

Ania,I think GiC just means Great Vespers lasting 45 mins - which is a bit on the speedy side for us. Usually closer to an hour. I'm more surprised that you experienced a Vigil in a ROCOR parish of only 1.5 hrs! At Holy Trinity in SF, their Sat Night Ressurection Vigil is 2 hrs flat. They don't skip anything either. I refer to it as "speed Vigil" (like speed dating). They just chant and sing so fast you can't even understand it sometimes even if English is your first language!

The vigil I experienced that was 1.5 hours was directed by a young friend of mine in a city I was visiting about 8 years ago. He and his siblings partied a lot, and since he'd been directing for quite a while (his siblings sang and did the readings) they had a the "quick vigil" down to an art, so as to be able to go out for the Saturday night party scene. However, the last time I visited them a few months ago, vigil was closer to 2 hours... they've grown up a bit, and only 1/2 the choir was anxious to hit the strip so the readings and the singing was a bit slower.

Logged

Now where were we? Oh yeah - the important thing was I had an onion on my belt, which was the style at the time. They didnÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢t have white onions because of the war. The only thing you could get was those big yellow ones...

Right, the Russians keep the practice of the Sabbaitic typikon which the Greeks modified in 1888.ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š So in other words, the Russian practice (which is also followed on Athos, in various cathedrals in Greece, and even in some parish churches on special occasions) is the older one and the Greek one a concession to weakness.ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š I prefer Greek practice in most regards but not here. Vigils are wonderful.

Anastasios

The Vigil is fine, provided it is timed such that Morning Prayers are said, well in the Morning. As I would assume that it was not the Original intent of the Typikon of St. Sabbas that prayers written for the morning be said before even the middle of the night; and accordingly the common Greek practice at least places the prayers at times closer to when they're supposed to be (though not necessarially exactly right).

Logged

"The liberties of people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them." -- Patrick Henry

I am aware that certain Jurisdictions expect their priests to hold secular jobs, which is quite unfortunate. The GOA, in general, does not (nor do the Antiochians, in general, though they dont support their priests quite as well as the Greeks)...most Bishops in the GOA tend to take good care of their Priests and will not send them to parishes unable to support them.

I wouldn't say "expect", but "accept" (that they may need) to have secular jobs. The irony here, is that the jurisidictions that pay their priests less generally have a lot more services. While you may say that the GOA Bishops "protect" their priests well, keep in mind that we are obligated under the Gospel to minister to the flock. Refusing to send a priest because a parish or area can't pay them X$ per year is a not good enough of an excuse. I'm thinking that this standard doesn't seem to take in varying COLA either. Also, maybe the Bishops don't consider that a priest may be willing to work part time in order to start a mission parish.

The Vigil is fine, provided it is timed such that Morning Prayers are said, well in the Morning. As I would assume that it was not the Original intent of the Typikon of St. Sabbas that prayers written for the morning be said before even the middle of the night; and accordingly the common Greek practice at least places the prayers at times closer to when they're supposed to be (though not necessarially exactly right).

Russians generally do it in the evenning, and since the old custom is that the new day starts at sunset, I don't see a problem with doing it on Saturday nights. :-) Especially when "Ispolnim Utriniyu Malitvu..." is uttered towards the end of the service, when it's usually already dark out. The only time I've seen it done right(as intended) is in Jordanville on Holy Saturday, where "Utrinya" is started at 2AM, and finishes at around 6AM, just as the sun comes up.

Logged

Now where were we? Oh yeah - the important thing was I had an onion on my belt, which was the style at the time. They didnÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢t have white onions because of the war. The only thing you could get was those big yellow ones...

I wouldn't say "expect", but "accept" (that they may need) to have secular jobs.ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š The irony here, is that the jurisidictions that pay their priests less generally have a lot more services.ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š While you may say that the GOA Bishops "protect" their priests well, keep in mind that we are obligated under the Gospel to minister to the flock.ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š Refusing to send a priest because a parish or area can't pay them X$ per year is a not good enough of an excuse.ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š I'm thinking that this standard doesn't seem to take in varying COLA either.ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š Also, maybe the Bishops don't consider that a priest may be willing to work part time in order to start a mission parish.ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š

Cost of Living is taken into account. The standard is $40k a year plus expenses, which include such things as a housing allowance, car allowance, cell phone allowance, et cetera which can vary depending on where one lives; thus in a more rural area it may only be expected that a priest be paid $50-55k while in a large city, more money is needed to live on. Some priests are mission priests, at time supported by larger parishes, at times self-supported, but this is not expected of priests, and Bishops will generally only send priests into these conditions if the priests themselves request it; otherwise it simply is not fair to either the Priest or especially, if he is Married, his Family. If a parish wants a Priest, they are going to have to shoulder some of the burden and pay ones salary, if a Parish is unable to raise the modest amount required for a priest's salary either it is too small for a priest or the parishioners are not too concerned about getting one.

Logged

"The liberties of people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them." -- Patrick Henry

Regarding "athonite practice" I have never seen a vigli (i.e combining Orthros, Vespers and first hour) for a normal Sunday on the Holy Mountain (although I believe the Rossikon does them, but am not positive on that even). ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š Vigils are done only on feastdays IME (and those last over 12 hours!). ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š

Also in church time anything after sunset is the next day - on the holy mountains EVERY clock is set by this. ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š I.E. midnight equals sundown of the previous saturday - until you get your bearings it can be a little confusing. ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š

Cost of Living is taken into account. The standard is $40k a year plus expenses, which include such things as a housing allowance, car allowance, cell phone allowance, et cetera which can vary depending on where one lives; thus in a more rural area it may only be expected that a priest be paid $50-55k while in a large city, more money is needed to live on. Some priests are mission priests, at time supported by larger parishes, at times self-supported, but this is not expected of priests, and Bishops will generally only send priests into these conditions if the priests themselves request it; otherwise it simply is not fair to either the Priest or especially, if he is Married, his Family. If a parish wants a Priest, they are going to have to shoulder some of the burden and pay ones salary, if a Parish is unable to raise the modest amount required for a priest's salary either it is too small for a priest or the parishioners are not too concerned about getting one.

While in theory this is good, in practice, this frequently is just not possible. I'm thinking the GOA expects most of their faithful to have high paying jobs.

Regarding "athonite practice" I have never seen a vigli (i.e combining Orthros, Vespers and first hour) for a normal Sunday on the Holy Mountain (although I believe the Rossikon does them, but am not positive on that even). ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š Vigils are done only on feastdays IME (and those last over 12 hours!).

Thank you Silouan. That is what I had understood the older practice to be. Over time, since every Sunday is a feast of the Resurrection, the Russians started doing a Vigil every Saturday night and eventually the Greek State Church removed Vigils completely. Also if I recall correctly, I believe Orthros/Matins is supposed to be done before the sun has risen just like Vespers is supposed to be done after the sun sets and the Divine Liturgy done before noon.

I wouldn't say "expect", but "accept" (that they may need) to have secular jobs.ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š The irony here, is that the jurisidictions that pay their priests less generally have a lot more services.ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š While you may say that the GOA Bishops "protect" their priests well, keep in mind that we are obligated under the Gospel to minister to the flock.ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š Refusing to send a priest because a parish or area can't pay them X$ per year is a not good enough of an excuse.ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š I'm thinking that this standard doesn't seem to take in varying COLA either.ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š Also, maybe the Bishops don't consider that a priest may be willing to work part time in order to start a mission parish.ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š

In ECUSA the difference between a "mission" and a "parish" is that the latter is self-supporting and the former is not, and therefore receives financial support from the diocese. (A "chaplaincy" is essentially a mission without a permanent congregation.) We have one semi-permanent "missionary" diocese: Navaholand isn't expected to support itself (and it can't).

When all is said and done, there is too much emphasis on self-sufficiency in ECUSA--- though this also derives from the belief/observation that parish ministry is a full-time job (and tries to become 24/7 if given any chance). On the other hand, I've heard that there is a lot of poor-mouthing in Orthodoxy, and that often enough Orthodox parishes simply aren't willing to pay a living wage.

Wow Ania, if you confess on Saturday evening (early) it's ok to go and party??

I think my priest is the substitute teacher who you know. I gotta say, I think being a priest is the hardest job in the world. I'm thinking now, in the summer, in our non-air conditioned church, no food or water in the morning, a two hour plus Liturgy when it's 95 degrees outside, when all the socializing at coffee hour, and that's just on Sundays!! It seems that Holy Week has to be physically more difficult than digging ditches!

Wow Ania, if you confess on Saturday evening (early) it's ok to go and party??

If I'm planning to go out on a Saturday night, I don't confess. I have to be in the correct state of mind, and it doesn't work if your already worrying where to find parking downtown and who's credit card you'll use to start a tab.

Logged

Now where were we? Oh yeah - the important thing was I had an onion on my belt, which was the style at the time. They didnÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢t have white onions because of the war. The only thing you could get was those big yellow ones...

Cost of Living is taken into account. The standard is $40k a year plus expenses, which include such things as a housing allowance, car allowance, cell phone allowance, et cetera which can vary depending on where one lives; thus in a more rural area it may only be expected that a priest be paid $50-55k while in a large city, more money is needed to live on. Some priests are mission priests, at time supported by larger parishes, at times self-supported, but this is not expected of priests, and Bishops will generally only send priests into these conditions if the priests themselves request it; otherwise it simply is not fair to either the Priest or especially, if he is Married, his Family. If a parish wants a Priest, they are going to have to shoulder some of the burden and pay ones salary, if a Parish is unable to raise the modest amount required for a priest's salary either it is too small for a priest or the parishioners are not too concerned about getting one.

HAHAHA... $40K??? That my friend, is wishful thinking where ROCOR priests come in. A good parish might give you a house and gas money, and $2,000 a month. Other parishes expect the priest to work. On the other hand, some priests I've seen live and minister in the most wretched conditions, and they do it with love and kindness. They do not think of money, as they have faith in God that everything will work out, and they just keep going. I've been amazed by some of these priests and their families, for they are generally the most cheerful open and generous people you would ever meet.

Logged

Now where were we? Oh yeah - the important thing was I had an onion on my belt, which was the style at the time. They didnÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢t have white onions because of the war. The only thing you could get was those big yellow ones...

Have you ever been to a GOA parish? The parishioners DO have high-paying jobs!ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š

I've been to several...and MOST of them DO have parishioners with high paying jobs, but not all of them. Of course, the ones that are financially better off have a higher percentage of Greeks in their congregation. One parish I know, located in a plenty big enough town, but wasn't exactly a rich town, had a falling out. Most of the parishoners wanted to continue the parish and were willing to put in a lot of effort to make it happen. They contacted the Greek Bishop, but his financial demands were way more than they could afford. Then they contacted the OCA, and they told them that yes, we'll work with you.

One year at my parish's annual food festival, during a talk on liturgical music, the speaker mentioned that Greek immigrants (as a whole or on average) are the most financially sucessful immigrant group in the country. So, if true, then why should everyone else have to confirm to their "richness". Are they just supposed to be SOL?

Actually, I'm really glad that our priest lives in a nice house and has a decent car. He built a beautiful new church in our city! Of course there's a huge mortgage, and it was possible only through the generosity of parishioners, but still, it was a huge endeavor on his part. A priest is a chief financial officer, plumber, janitor, physchiatrist, counselor, teacher, painter, librarian, and just about anything else that the parish requires!! And they minister to our souls and one hopes, gladdens our hearts and develops our faith. I think our priest earns every penny and probably a lot more. A good priest is invaluable to a parish. Of course, so is a faithful laity that love the Church.

Btw, I've heard that in Russian villages, the priest always had his own plot of land to farm. Anyone know if this is true?

I just wanted to say that at the mission I attend the priest is expected to be there during the day Tuesday through Friday, so that those who want to talk or go to Confession can, write up the homily, of course! and serve Vespers on Saturday and Divine Liturgy on Sunday in addition to the numerous Feastdays when Divine Liturgy is served. Also the services at the mission I attend go from around 8:30 A.M.-12:00-:15 P.M. on Sunday and 7:00-8:00 for Vespers on Saturday.From what I have heard many young priests in the AA have had to get part time or even full time jobs to support their families because they often end up serving at missions or struggling parishes.

I also will say that I was saddened to hear just how bad things have gotten in the GOA.

Clergy compensation is a very difficult question in the Orthodox Church in North America. It always puzzles me that many OCA and ROCOR parishes pay their priests very little, if at all. Is it due to the poverty of the parishioners or a "mind set" about giving? I don't know. Having said that there is a certain mind set amongst many Orthodox that the priest should be kept humble and "poor" but he should have a degree from an Orthodox seminary, wear the finest vestments, have a presentable home, hand out lots of icons and books to potential converts (at his cost) and have nicely dressed kids and Matushka/Presbytera/Khouri. He should also not "corrupt himself" by having a secular job.

Too many priests depend upon "stole money" for their income. This is money paid to them for baptisms, funerals, house blessings, prayers, etc. Thus, in a big parish, a priest may have a "book salary" of 25K but make another 75K (tax free) in stole money. This goes back to practices in the "old world" which reflected certain realities under the Ottomans and rural Russian life.

There is much we can learn from some Protestant churches in regards to clergy compensation. We should encourage tithing and parish membership and get away from our dependence upon "dues" "candle money" and "fee for service."

Finally, we have to be aware that we are now facing a clergy shortage in our NA Orthodox Churches. This is a situation that will get worse as the majority of our current clergy (in all jurisdictions) are in their 50's, 60's and 70's. If we cannot ensure the future young and not so young priests of our church that they can have a reasonable and secure income (I would suggest on the "income scale" that they should be paid the same as a school teacher) we will either have to close parishes or allow "less than desirable" candidates lead and pastor our parishes.

Clergy compensation is a very difficult question in the Orthodox Church in North America. It always puzzles me that many OCA and ROCOR parishes pay their priests very little, if at all. Is it due to the poverty of the parishioners or a "mind set" about giving?ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š I don't know.ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š Having said that there is a certain mind set amongst many Orthodox that the priest should be kept humble and "poor" but he should have a degree from an Orthodox seminary, wear the finest vestments, have a presentable home, hand out lots of icons and books to potential converts (at his cost) and have nicely dressed kids and Matushka/Presbytera/Khouri. He should also not "corrupt himself" by having a secular job.

Too many priests depend upon "stole money" for their income. This is money paid to them for baptisms, funerals, house blessings, prayers, etc. Thus, in a big parish, a priest may have a "book salary" of 25K but make another 75K (tax free) in stole money.ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š This goes back to practices in the "old world" which reflected certain realities under the Ottomans and rural Russian life.ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š

There is much we can learn from some Protestant churches in regards to clergy compensation. We should encourage tithing and parish membership and get away from our dependence uponÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š "dues" "candle money"ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š and "fee for service."ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š

Finally, we have to be aware that we are now facing a clergy shortage in our NA Orthodox Churches. This is a situation that will get worse as the majority of our current clergy (in all jurisdictions) are in theirÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š 50's, 60's and 70's. If we cannot ensure the future young and not so young priests of our church that they can have a reasonable and secure income (I would suggest on the "income scale" that they should be paid the same as a school teacher) we will either have to close parishes or allow "less than desirable" candidates lead and pastor our parishes.

Yeah that seems to be pretty acurate. I kow that this one Romanian priest had fixed dues for each sacrament...except for liturgies and confession of course. For example, baptism was like $300, marriage were $350. I think thats not the best way because people might think that the sacraments are 'up for sale' but if thats the only means of survival what can u do?

On a similar note, in the Middle Ages, Catholic priests would charge rich families for a private Mass in their home chapels. That I think is definitely rediculous.

But in general, giving the priest a donation for the sacraments is usually done. Heck, one time I was given 30$ for serving at the altar! And I did almost nothing. I handed the priest his cross or the censer one time and made sure to turn off the "Here comes the bride" tape after the song was done lol.

Also, priests can get extra earnings by working for the Archdiocese by teaching at the seminary or running an extra program like running a food bank or youth convention which if a priest didn't do it, a lay person would be hired and payed anyways.

Right now my priest is soo busy with the building of the inside of the church and he is desperately trying to collect the funds. I've been trying to boo ka confession with him since January- but then again he does teach at the seminary twice a week and has 3 children, one in university.

Wow, the closest thing I've heard regarding "selling" the sacraments was a letter from one OCA bishop specifically forbidding it. If I recall correctly, the letter said that while a gift could be accepted for peforming a baptism or wedding or something similar, it could never be required as a condition for performing the service. From what I've read, at one point that was fairly common simply because priests were not paid enough to even survive without doing that, but the letter I read was pretty clear that parishes were expected to pay their priests enough to support them. I know that I certainly wasn't charged a fee for having my apartment blessed when I moved a couple of months ago.

And I have never heard of a priest being too busy to hear a confession. I know that mine frequently misses events being held at parishioners' homes because he has one scheduled to hear. That one just astounds me.

Logged

Artillery adds dignity to what would otherwise be a vulgar brawl. ~Frederick the Great

arjuna, don't be provocative. The conclusions your drawing are just... well, way off base. Orthodox priests do not sell sacraments... It is traditional however for people who order services outside of the regularly scheduled services to give the priest a little bit of money. This tradition is very old. It is pretty much a donation. There SHOULD BE NO SET PRICE!!! Actually, what am I thinking, THERE IS NO PRICE!Timos, the idea of a priest charging for a marriage is ridiculous (Please note I come from a family that is currently in its 5th generation of priests). It is a sacrament and therefore has no price. If the couple feels that they can afford to give the priest some money for performing the service, it should be up to them. What next, charging for confession? Communion for the dying? The very thought.... egggh.... I have no problem giving my priest money for blessing my car, or doing a panihida or molebin for me... after all, rather than going to have lunch with his parishioners and enjoying himself after a long morning of liturgy and prayers, he is spending another 1/2 an hour praying specifically for me and mine. Often, priests have at least 10 - 15 people waiting for him after services to request various prayer services. They do not finish for several hours usually. By this time, they are hungry, thirsty, and very often, their feet hurt after 4-5 hours of standing. They are missing out on their own family life to be there with us in our prayers. I know that priests are supposed to make sacrifices, but there is no reason why their parishioners couldn't make it a little easier, monetarily, at least. Priests also often have to drive long distances, spending their own gas money. Parishoners often feed them and give them a little something that will reimburse them. I know a matushka who jokes that the hour long drives to the hospitals to visit sick parishioners have become "dates" for her and her batushka, as they have such little time to spend with each other otherwise. So priests can be unscrupulous and demand money. I've heard of a few stories in Russia of priests demanding money for absolution and other sacraments, which is of course outrageous. These men should be reprimanded if not defrocked. Luckily, the priests I ask to do services for me are not such men, and actually, knowing that my sister an I are on the rather less-affluent side of things, refuse to take money from us.

BTW... while doing spellcheck for this, the correct spelling for "panihida" was suggested to be "pinhead." LOL (okay, so maybe not so funny, but whatever).

Logged

Now where were we? Oh yeah - the important thing was I had an onion on my belt, which was the style at the time. They didnÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢t have white onions because of the war. The only thing you could get was those big yellow ones...

And I have never heard of a priest being too busy to hear a confession. I know that mine frequently misses events being held at parishioner's homes because he has one scheduled to hear. That one just astounds me.

I gotta agree with you... If you mean by confession a long drawn out discussion regarding your life, your spiritual well-being, etc... well, obviously that would take a while and the priest might have you wait a week or two to talk to you about it, if he has a very busy schedule, and perceives that you are not on the verge of a nervous breakdown or whatever... However, just to confess and receive absolution for your sins... You should be able to do that every Saturday and Sunday. I've even seen my uncle hear confessions over the phone if the parishoner is far away on travel or a meeting time is just not possible.

Logged

Now where were we? Oh yeah - the important thing was I had an onion on my belt, which was the style at the time. They didnÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢t have white onions because of the war. The only thing you could get was those big yellow ones...

So, Orthodox priests not only make money from selling sacraments; they also make money from sellintg their ministries?

I'd be very cautious regarding your future posts on this topic.

I know of two priests (both in the 'money hungry' and very much maligned in this site GOA, btw) who *never* accept any donations. If the parishioner insists on donating anything, the money goes to assist the poor.

Your blanket condemnation of Orthodox priests is unworthy of you.

« Last Edit: July 15, 2005, 11:04:18 AM by chris »

Logged

"As the sparrow flees from a hawk, so the man seeking humility flees from an argument". St John Climacus

I know of two priests (both in the 'money hungry' and very much maligned in this site GOA, btw) who *never* accept any donations.

I wouldn't go that far. The priest at the GOA parish closest to mine is a very good priest - he even drove up to do a weekly vespers for St. Herman when our priest was ill. As far as the money issue from before, I think the point of many of us here have against the GOA regarding $$ is that the benefit of them having wealthier parishoners can backfire on them at times - especially when it comes to evangelism (as in my prior anecdote).

Back to the original subject....I visited a Serbian parish a year or so ago that listed "prices" for sacraments and other events (e.g. renting out the hall for an event). There was both a "member" and "non-member" price. I think this ment tithing-official-parish-member vs random Orthodox not necessarily associated with the parish. Still, I think these were listed as "suggested" donation amounts.

A priest cannot 'charge' for any sacrament, that is simony. But there are some services that are not sacramental that can be charged for. An example is that though there can be no charge for the preforming of the Sacrament of Marriage, the Archdiocese is justified in Charging for processing paperwork related to a Marriage to offset their costs, that is an administrative, and not sacramental, element of the Church. Something else I've seen is Cathedrals Charging non-parishioners to use their facilities for a Marriage. They're not charging for the Sacrament, because the people could get married in their Own Church for free, but if they'd rather be married in the Cathedral they have to pay to offset the costs of the parish.

Logged

"The liberties of people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them." -- Patrick Henry

I didn't condemn; I asked. ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š I started this thread to find out what Orthodox priests actually do all day, and especially to find out how they make a living because I have heard that they are poorly paid. ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š Well, in response, two people posted that Orthodox priests essentially charged prices for sacraments and ministries as a way to support themselves. ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š I wanted to know if that was true. ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š I asked. You and others responded and said no.

arjuna, don't be provocative. The conclusions your drawing are just... well, way off base.

Well, thank you for correcting me.

It seems that I offended you, perhaps that I insulted you. ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š For that, I apologize to all of you; that was not my intent; ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š and I must have been really sloppy in how I wrote; and I am genuinely sorry for causing offense.

Howerver, I have no apology to make for the conclusions I drew from others' posts and the questions I asked to ask for clarification. ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š I asked to learn. ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š And, I have learned. ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š I have learned three things: ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š (1) that simony is not widespread but (2) accepting voluntary donations is acceptable and (3) you are and others are offended either by raising the issue or by how I wrote in raising the issue. ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š And that third point is most useful of all for me to learn.

And I have never heard of a priest being too busy to hear a confession. I know that mine frequently misses events being held at parishioners' homes because he has one scheduled to hear. That one just astounds me.

And that was why I was astounded and reacted the way I did. But, I reacted emotionally in public about that, and that was a mistake. ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š For that and any offense I caused, I also apologize.

As far as the money issue from before, I think the point of many of us here have against the GOA regarding $$ is that the benefit of them having wealthier parishoners can backfire on them at times - especially when it comes to evangelism (as in my prior anecdote).

In general, I agree that sometimes there is a backfire effect of having wealthy parishioners within the GOA.

However, I provided the examples of those two priests to show that there are those clergy within the GOA who are picking up this cross and carrying it. I'm sure that if I know of two priests who will refuse any donations, then there are likely more---after all, there are 900 priests or so in the GOA.

The fact is, there are Orthodox priests who may like donations, some who depend on them, and some who donate the donations. The range of behavior will vary and readers of this thread need to be reminded of this.

Logged

"As the sparrow flees from a hawk, so the man seeking humility flees from an argument". St John Climacus

It seems that I offended you, perhaps that I insulted you. For that, I apologize to all of you; that was not my intent; and I must have been really sloppy in how I wrote; and I am genuinely sorry for causing offense.

Howerver, I have no apology to make for the conclusions I drew from others' posts and the questions I asked to ask for clarification. I asked to learn. And, I have learned. I have learned three things: (1) that simony is not widespread but (2) accepting voluntary donations is acceptable and (3) you are and others are offended either by raising the issue or by how I wrote in raising the issue. And that third point is most useful of all for me to learn.

I probably should stop posting before 12 noon... which is when my brain really wakes up. your question does seem still to be a little contrary, and you could have probably written it better, but I wrote something back with a slightly nasty tone, and I shouldn't have.

Time for lunch!

Logged

Now where were we? Oh yeah - the important thing was I had an onion on my belt, which was the style at the time. They didnÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢t have white onions because of the war. The only thing you could get was those big yellow ones...

Greek Christian, Ania, Chris and the others, thank you for your responses.

Yet, amidst me causing offense (for which I apologize again), there is a real issue which I would like to address. So, let me ask the question here again (and I wish that I had worded it this way the previous time).

And, to avoid causing another round of offense, here are my Disclaimers:

* Please do not read any "tone" into what I am about to ask; there is no tone in this post, there is only inquiry.

* Also, some have already responded to this question, so I would like to hear from other voices as well.

* And, I realize that I am a guest here, so I apologize in advance if this question might cause offense; and I thank you for being willing to entertain the question.

* My purpose in asking is to learn about the Orthodox Church before I make the decision whether to start the conversion process; hence, I need to ask candid questions, and I hope I can ask them here and receive candid responses. Please understand, being a Catholic and enduring the pedophile-priest scandal has made me both cynical and unsurprised by bad conduct by clergy; nevertheless, I know that most clergy (Catholic, Orthodox, etc.) are good people who are genuinely trying to serve God and the neighbor.

* So, I'm just asking a question here; and if the answer is no, I will be glad.

Disclaimers stated, here is my question:

Do Orthodox priests in North America support themselves by simony?

And, here are the follow-up questions:

Are the voluntary and customary donations to Orthodox priests for sacraments truly voluntary?

and

Do priests end up supporting themselves mostly or substantially from these voluntary donations?

and, finally,

One of the previous posts suggested that many parishes want their priests at little cost and they want their priests not to work outside jobs; hence, some priests rely upon voluntary donations as a real source of their income. Regarding Orthodox priests in North America: is that accurate and, if yes, how common is it ?

While we in Orthodoxy like to gossip and speak in generalities as much as anyone else, which is where I think a lot of our comments come from, I will answer your questions as frankly and clearly as I can based only upon the situations of the priests that I know, which includes family.

No priest that I have known to the extent that I had an idea of their financial situation (either through talking to them or through my family contacts discussing such issues) has been seriously short of salary. None has ever sold sacraments or worked through simony. For baptisms, weddings, etc, at times, when people wanted a certain priest (good friend or family connections) to perform said sacraments, they paid travel expenses and gave them a monetary gift for making the journey when there was a perfectly good priest around already. This could hardly be said to be a real source of support for priests. There may also be a charge for using church spaces, though I am less sure of these charges. Such fees would go into a church's general budget and could, conceivably, end up being the priest's salary.

So, no, I do not know of any cases of voluntary (and definitely not mandatory) costs associated with priestly work, excepting situations where mission parishes pays a priest from another parish *per* service, since they do not have a priest to support and he is serving them part time...

I'm sure there are some priests who work jobs apart from their parishes. More likely, I believe, is that their Matushkas work, becoming a two income family very similar to most of America's families. When a priest is compelled to work another job, from my experience (of hearing pure talk), they are at small parishes with few parishioners, where the priestly role is not really full time because of the lack of parishioners, and they also cannot pay more, being few and ususally aged.

I hope that clarifies things a little bit. Really, if you ask a priest about this sort of issue, he's likely to be frank about any problems--we want any bad situations to improve, obviously, and the best way to do that is to make people aware of their obligations.

No. As has been stated, there is no fixed, mandatory price for ecclesiastical services. This would be the only thing that fits simony, and I've never heard of it happening. So, barring the occassional wacko, I think I can safely repeat myself and say no.

Do priests end up supporting themselves mostly or substantially from these voluntary donations?

As has been said, it depends on the parish and how much priests in jurisdiction x actually get paid for their salary. Some parishes have well-to-do members who pay quite a lot for these sorts of things, so the priest has grown accustomed to expecting x amount of dollars from family x every year. Doesn't mean he demands it, nor does he expect other, less well-off (or even as-well-off or more-well-off) parishoners to do the same. It's just a gift of gratitude for a spiritual blessing. Or at least, that's the ideal which, to my knowledge, is also the rule.

One of the previous posts suggested that many parishes want their priests at little cost and they want their priests not to work outside jobs; hence, some priests rely upon voluntary donations as a real source of their income. Regarding Orthodox priests in North America: is that accurate and, if yes, how common is it ?

I don't know about many; I've sure never heard of this. It may very well be, and, if the word voluntary stays firmly in place, I don't see what's wrong with that. It's certainly not simony; rather it's the parishoners valuing an "undistracted" priest so much that they're willing to dig in and foot some of the necessary bills for him.

Wow, I haven't checked back this post since yesterday when I posted it. OK I got osme explaining to do.

OK my priest is desperately trying to get the funds collected for the church building because if he doesn't get it in something horrible like the building itself would be taken away or the contracters would not do anything else on the building which needs the roof fixing- it had lots of holes- so durign liturgy the roof would be sopping wet and its just not approrpriate.

As to the confession, my priest offered me a number of times when I (again I) did not have the time to go that day because of exams, travelling, etc. It's solely my fault and not my priest's. He didn't have the time to do the confession right when I wanted it and that is not fair for him either.

QuoteRight now my priest is soo busy with the building of the inside of the church and he is desperately trying to collect the funds. I've been trying to boo ka confession with him since January- but then again he does teach at the seminary twice a week and has 3 children, one in university.

As for the extra money, I never said my priest sells the sacraments. I stated that I kenw some Romanian and Serbian priests who did this practise. And that is wrong.

Also I checked back with my priest and he does not get paid for doing things like soup kitchen or youth work. He does do those things but he does not get paid. I don't know why I said that- I thought that he might get some money to do so as part of his ministry as a priest.

My priest however does get offered payment from the Orthodox seminary here. Arjuna, I apolagize for showing my priest in a negative light but this is just not how he is. He opened his home to a teen a few years ago to live with him full time and he fully supports this teen who is now in university.

My priest is willing to give me confession and on numerous occassions have talked to him about my problems on the phone for hours and he didn't complain once. He is a great shepherd but these two weeks have been rough for him.

The reason I haven't had confession with him is my fault and choice. I asked him a couple times and often I would call ahead and tell him I just can't make it that day. For now I am having confession with the priest at the monastery (who is away now too).

I am not an airhead. If I thought for one second that my priest was avoiding me I wouldn't cal lhim every week to talk to him on the phone when he can't meet me in person. My priest is a God-fearing and hard-working shepherd.

I also wanted to make clear that any and every donation made for baptisms or weddings is just that. He does NOT and CANNOT do such a thing. Our bishop would be up the wall and I'm not so sure my priest would be a priest any longer- plus he would not do such a thing. Often him and his wife have given us free books or even free expenisve tickets to orthodox speakers where food and drinks were included.

Do priests end up supporting themselves mostly or substantially from these voluntary donations?

Mostly?--meaning 50.1% or greater of their income? Not to my knowledge. Substantially? Not that I know of. From my experience, the donations have ranged from a koulouria (it was baked by a little girl for the priest to thank him for baptizing her little brother) to a three figure sum for a wedding. Realistically, the figures are not that large for a priest to 'count' on, and any donations (if retained by the priest) are seen as 'mad money'.

However, to be fair, my experience has largely been that of the GOA, which probably everyone here will agree tends to keep their priests financially comfortable. Perhaps some other jurisdictions may have priests where donations are a substantial part of the priest's income. However, from the non-GOA priests I have served with this is not due to the priest engaging in simony but is from a parishioner wanting to show their priest how much they care for him.

Besides, not wanting to sound Clinton-esque---but what do you consider 'substantial'?

One of the previous posts suggested that many parishes want their priests at little cost and they want their priests not to work outside jobs; hence, some priests rely upon voluntary donations as a real source of their income. Regarding Orthodox priests in North America: is that accurate and, if yes, how common is it ?

Again, my experience within the GOA is that voluntary donations are not counted upon as their income. However, this is specific to the GOA yada, yada, yada...

It seems that I offended you, perhaps that I insulted you.ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š For that, I apologize to all of you; that was not my intent;ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š and I must have been really sloppy in how I wrote; and I am genuinely sorry for causing offense.

Fuhgeddabowdit....and please forgive me as well.

« Last Edit: July 16, 2005, 12:54:01 AM by chris »

Logged

"As the sparrow flees from a hawk, so the man seeking humility flees from an argument". St John Climacus

Years ago when we were still living in California, (at least 23 years a go, in other words), my father, who was a deacon in San Francisco, drove around many of the older clergy. There was one priest, I believe his name was Fr. Konstantin, probably in his 70s already, who asked my father to take him to a car dealership. My father was rather surprised, considering he hadn't even known Fr. Konstantin could drive, but agreed to take him. Fr. Konstantin took a long time choosing a car, and finally decided on a brand-spankin'-new bright blue Chevy Nova.The salesman asked then "Would you like us to start the paperwork for your payment plan?"Fr. Konstantin said "No, I pay now!"Surprised, the salesman said, "Well, you can make the check out too..."Fr. Konstantin said "No, I pay cash!"My father suddenly noticed that Fr. Konstantin had brought a small beat-up leather briefcase. The old priest opened it up, and inside were $5's, $10's, and $20's... wrapped up in bundles with aluminum foil. The secretaries and the salesmen at the dealership spent the next 2 hours counting and recounting it to make sure it was right. Right before Fr. Konstantin drove his new Chevy Nova off the lot, my dad, curiosity finally getting the better of him, asked where it all came from.Fr. Konstantin explained that this money was donations from all the molebni, ponihidi, funerals, weddings he had done. My dad asked how long it took him to save it all up. Approximately 15 years.

(It took him 15 years to get enough money to buy a car from taking donations... This is someone who served every day, and was available 24-7 to his parishioners... no, priests don't live off these donations by any means).

Logged

Now where were we? Oh yeah - the important thing was I had an onion on my belt, which was the style at the time. They didnÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢t have white onions because of the war. The only thing you could get was those big yellow ones...

Just wondering: to what degree does the eparchy get involved in covering the priest's insurance, room and board, etc?ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š Is the eparchy a central distribution center with funds collected at the parish level?ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š

I know that in the Latin Rite (at least in the United States) the dioceses are heavily involved in making sure that all the priests have certain health coverage and a fixed stipend upon which they can live.ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems that most Catholic priests of the Latin Rite (even those in poorer areas) are paid well enough or they have enough benefits that they don't need to have to get a second job.ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š I'm not boasting about this, but I wonder if it's because of a more equitable distribution of wages, fostered by the diocese.ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š I believe that Glenmary, the Catholic group I mentioned in another post, is active in obtaining funds from richer dioceses and parishes for poorer ones.ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š

Is there anything in Orthodoxy to make sure that priests aren't paid too much or too little???ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š Does wage difference cause tension between Russian priests and Greek priests?ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š

Does that possibility that the average Catholic parish has a larger number of parishoners than does the average Orthodox church have anything to do with wage problem with some Orthodox priests?ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š

Those are all part of it...Wife and kids certainly cost more than just a single man...there are only 6 million (or less) in the USA and parishes are much smaller than Catholic parishes, the separation caused by jurisdictions in the US splits up our resources, parishes may be poor, elderly, etc, and the Catholic Church is hugely more rich than Orthodox in the USA.

Here's a question and answer about wages for priests from OCA clergy...Blunt and realistic, even if the situation the questioner talks about isn't the standard.

"If modern American Orthodoxy wishes to maintain the tradition of a married priesthood then why doesn't it pay its priests enough to support their families. I understand that many Orthodox priests are forced to take second jobs in order to support themselves.

I would imagine that this destroys their spiritual lives and causes them to serve two masters. This seems to be wrong to me. Shouldn't the OCA and other American Orthodox jurisdictions pay their clergy enough to support their families? My friend met an OCA priest who works two jobs just to support his family because his salary as a priest cannot support his family.

Orthodoxy has to consider the realities of modern life. This is scandalous.

ANSWER:

For many, many years, the OCA has had a clergy compensation guideline in place. In short, it asks that parishes pay their priests at the same rate that a professional of his particular stature, education, and experience would receive in their respective communities. It also requests parishes to give their priests annual raises as well as cost-of-living increases based on the Consumer Price Index. Further, virtually every diocese of the Orthodox Church in America has compensation guidelines which compliment those issued by the Central Church Administration.

It is only my opinion, but the problem does not necessarily lie with the hierarchs, the Central Church Administration, or the dioceses. They have done a stellar job in promoting fair and adequate compensation of our clergy. The problem is that many parishes choose not to comply, for a variety of reasons, some valid, others ridiculous.

I will give you a few examples.

In one parish with which I am familiar, a building program was initiated. The parish, which had a reported membership of over 500 souls a decade ago, today reports less than 200 adult members. A $2.5 million building program was put into place; the parish council decided to reduce the priest's salary by several thousand dollars per year as a result!! Despite the protests of the bishop and the priest, the parish insisted on reducing his salary. The priest was forced to seek part time employment as a result. Of course, the parishioners then began to complain that the priest is not devoting his full energies to the parish! There have been those who feel that the bishop should "pull the priest out" of the parish because of the parish's actions, but this would only harm the priest more, not to mention the toll it would take on his children.

I know of another parish which has suffered greatly because people have moved on to other parts of the country. The parish has dwindled to some 60 members -- a decade ago it had a reported membership three times this number. Most of the remaining members are elderly, and most are retired and on fixed income. [It is not a very affluent area.] This remnant must bear the burden of rising utility bills and other expenses, not to mention maintenance and repairs to an aging and deteriorating 80-year-old building, which cannot be overlooked. [Repairs to the roof are the same, regardless of whether there are 20 or 2000 parishioners.] Faced with a dwindling membership, increasing expenses, and an dilapidated edifice, it becomes very difficult to offer the priest an appropriate stipend in this case. Recommendations to merge with a neighboring parish have been met with sharp resistance on the part of the faithful, even though the bishop in whose diocese the parish exists most wisely sees this as a viable option for all concerned and a way of offering his priest a fair salary.

I know of another instance in which three OCA parishes exist within 10 minutes of each other. The total adult membership of these three parishes is less than 200. Each parish supports a church and hall. Two of the three also own rectories. Each parish has its own priest, and these priests are receiving relatively low salaries. Suggestions to merge these parishes and to pool resources -- it is in many respects impractical for three small, struggling parishes to support three facilities and three clergy when the combined membership is still relatively small -- also have been traditionally met with sharp resistance on the part of the parishioners, and each of the three parishes continues to struggle financially. This dilemma, unfortunately, is then passed on to the priests in these three parishes.

I know of another parish which has gone through several priests in 15 years. Often, when a new priest is assigned, the parish sees an opportunity to reduce the salary, paying the new priest less than his predecessor had been paid. Repeated attempts on the part of the bishop and dean to rectify this situation have been ignored, although the parish finally, just last year, increased the pastor's salary by $300 per month, bringing it in line with what was being paid several years ago. The priest, however, has over 30 years of experience and is making significantly less than he would if he were in the secular world. Because the parish does not own a rectory, he also has to own his own home.

Despite the increase, he still has to rely on outside employment as a teacher and chaplain.

The OCA, as I mentioned earlier, has what are, in my opinion, excellent guidelines. But excellent guidelines are meaningless if the faithful are unwilling to follow them. And I know of no instances, at least within my limited experience, in which bishops and deans have not pushed their parishes to comply with the guidelines set down by the OCA and the dioceses.

There are some parishes which I suppose may be just plain "cheap." There are others which, through no fault of their own, have dwindled significantly, often because they exist in communities which have experienced tremendous downward turns in population. There are still others -- fortunately few -- who still "shop around" for the "best deal" when looking for a priest. [One parish I know of always prefers to have unmarried clergy because, as they often say, "it costs us a lot less than a priest with kids."] No two situations are alike; hence, there may be no uniform solution other than to follow as honestly as possible the guidelines that are -- and have been -- in place.

I agree wholeheartedly that the plight of many clergy is indeed scandalous, but until such time as solutions can be found to the plethora of difficult situations which exist, little can be done. The Holy Synod, the Central Church Administration, and the local dioceses have been "on top of the matter" for years, as evidenced in the existence of compensation guidelines of which parishes are always being reminded. Annual reminders are sent by the OCA Chancellor's office to all parishes, begging them to increase and upgrade salary and benefit packages at annual meetings.

The bottom line, however, comes in the response on the local level, by the individual parishes. This is where change must and, hopefully, will occur.

The Bishops do share responsibility for these problems, standards should be maintained, and if a Parish doesn't meet them, a priest should not be sent. If the parish does not pay the salary they either are not all that concerned about having a priest or they are too small to warrent sending a full time priest; perhaps they could pay half a priest's salary and share a priest with another parish that can only pay half the standard salary or have a retired priest or second priest from a larger parish sent on sundays for a decreased amount. The best solution would be to get rid of parish councils and allow the Bishops to more directly manage the affairs and money of the parishes under his omophorion, but until we can solve the greater problem of parish councils there are temporary solutions to the problem of underpaid clergy in every Jurisdiction.

Logged

"The liberties of people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them." -- Patrick Henry

The Bishops do share responsibility for these problems, standards should be maintained, and if a Parish doesn't meet them, a priest should not be sent. If the parish does not pay the salary they either are not all that concerned about having a priest or they are too small to warrent sending a full time priest; perhaps they could pay half a priest's salary and share a priest with another parish that can only pay half the standard salary or have a retired priest or second priest from a larger parish sent on sundays for a decreased amount. The best solution would be to get rid of parish councils and allow the Bishops to more directly manage the affairs and money of the parishes under his omophorion, but until we can solve the greater problem of parish councils there are temporary solutions to the problem of underpaid clergy in every Jurisdiction.

While fine in theory, as I said in a prior thread a while ago, I think this response is rather lacking. You keep saying "sent" - as if the priest wasn't at the parish yet. Usually they are all ready there! What is the Bishop to do - pull the priest away? Then how does the priest support himself? In some of those cases where there are several close to each other, I definite agree with the case of an ultimatum of merging with another or settling for a part timer/retired.

If the parish does not pay the salary they either are not all that concerned about having a priest or they are too small to warrent sending a full time priest

This is just too simplistic. IMO, your thinking is skewed by your experience of having wealthy Greek benefactors/parishoners. Are you now going to say that "too small" is bigger for some parishes/missions then others?

I remember what one monk told me, many years ago...the prayer of the parish council..."Lord, send us a poor and humble priest. You keep him humble. We'll keep him poor." How many would argue on what wages should be given to Jesus, if He were to minister to a parish? "After all He's God...what does He need money for?"

This is just too simplistic.ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š IMO, your thinking is skewed by your experience of having wealthy Greek benefactors/parishoners.ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š Are you now going to say that "too small" is bigger for some parishes/missions then others?

Truth be told, my thinking is probably skewed by my experience in protestant parishes, where a parish of 50 people (20 families) somehow manages to pay their minister a living wage and still keep the lights on (this is far from an uncommon occurance). But realistically speaking, if a parish cannot afford a priest, then either it is too small to send one or the parish is large enough to have a priest, but the parishoners are not concerned enough about having a priest to give enough to support one; if everyone gave the 10% that is technically expected of them, 20 families should generally be enough to support a parish and priest (even by the Standards of the GOA), even in most depressed regions.

Logged

"The liberties of people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them." -- Patrick Henry

20 families should generally be enough to support a parish and priest (even by the Standards of the GOA), even in most depressed regions.

What does this supposed to mean? I hear everyone say this. By what I THINK it is supposed to mean, single male me is a "family" just like John & Mary and their 5 kids.

At face value, sure, your statements are perfectly valid, but reality and what we are commanded to do don't jive. If you took all the parishes that "shouldn't" have a full time priest and made said priest part time and have to share parishes (at least in the OCA and probably other Archdioceses), we would go from a drought to a huge surplus of priests.

Of those 20 families at least a few will be in finicial hardship and can't give money to the church, other will be only able to give a limited amount...while others will be at the stage where they only come to church on Sundays, giving a nominal amount - but just are starting out spiritually so aren't ready to really commit much of their lives to the church. So that leaves maybe 5 families that can and will give their 10%.

People are often quick to point out the difficulities of having an established Church; but here is one of many instances in which it certainly helps things. But that aside, I believe our difficulity here is that we're trying to deal with a symptom, while ignoring the true problem, Parish Councils that are less than completely obedient to their Bishop. The real beginning to a solution for this problem is to undermine the current system of Parish Councils; the Antiochians, I must say, have made a good start at this...an example that the other Jurisdictions in this country would be wise to follow.

Logged

"The liberties of people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them." -- Patrick Henry

Hey now, we actaully agree that parish councils have run WILD in the GOA. But the problem isn't solely the parish council's fault. People that make large gifts to the Church tend to have their ideas implemented (with episcopal blessings!) that aren't entirely Orthodox. Even within the GOA, Metr. Isaiah of Denver has taken a pretty strong stance against parish councils that try to dominate a priest - siga siga.

Also, if missions are going to grow, they need a priest. We do want the Church to spread, do we not, especially into areas where Orthodoxy doesn't presently have any churches? Priests who will be serving missions in the Diocese of the West in the OCA are pretty much told that if they serve in a mission, they will need to work a secular job in order to support their families. Luckily, there are some priests who do have a vision and heart for missions and evangelization and are willing to do this. I don't seem to remember the Apostles demanding that they or the persons whom they sent to evangelize and start churches that the people be able to pay them a full salary before they would send them.

The real beginning to a solution for this problem is to undermine the current system of Parish Councils; the Antiochians, I must say, have made a good start at this...an example that the other Jurisdictions in this country would be wise to follow.

Could you elaborate on what the Antiochians are doing? All I know is that the (Antiochian) parish (former EOC) I grew up in recently FORMED a parish council a few years ago. But they are a reasonably wealthy parish (compared to the average I'm guessing). They're problems are more with their building situation - they have land and building plans, but local politics won't let them build!

Could you elaborate on what the Antiochians are doing?ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š All I know is that the (Antiochian) parish (former EOC) I grew up in recently FORMED a parish council a few years ago.ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š But they are a reasonably wealthy parish (compared to the average I'm guessing).ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€š They're problems are more with their building situation - they have land and building plans, but local politics won't let them build!

Though I am not intimately familiar with all the Antiochians have done, I know one substantial step they made was to make the Priest the President of the Parish Council, thus allowing him to control the agenda, as well as 'veto' any decisions of the parish council. Technically the parish council is an advisory committee in any parish, but the Antiochains have made steps to ensure that they do not go beyond their bounds.

Logged

"The liberties of people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them." -- Patrick Henry

Though I am not intimately familiar with all the Antiochians have done, I know one substantial step they made was to make the Priest the President of the Parish Council, thus allowing him to control the agenda, as well as 'veto' any decisions of the parish council. Technically the parish council is an advisory committee in any parish, but the Antiochains have made steps to ensure that they do not go beyond their bounds.

This is how it is at my (OCA) parish. I thought this was the norm, but maybe we're more the exception.

Though I am not intimately familiar with all the Antiochians have done, I know one substantial step they made was to make the Priest the President of the Parish Council, thus allowing him to control the agenda, as well as 'veto' any decisions of the parish council. Technically the parish council is an advisory committee in any parish, but the Antiochains have made steps to ensure that they do not go beyond their bounds.

I think actually technically the parish council is not purely advisory; I expect it has legal standing as the board of the corporation of the parish. The only way around this, I expect, is for the diocesan corporation to hold and adminster everything directly. In practice it must surely be unworkable to do so.

I think actually technically the parish council is not purely advisory; I expect it has legal standing as the board of the corporation of the parish. The only way around this, I expect, is for the diocesan corporation to hold and adminster everything directly. In practice it must surely be unworkable to do so.

The presidency of the priest is required in ECUSA by Canon I.14.3.

The Parish board from what I know has a voting policy that pretty much makes decision regardless of the where the 'president; stands. e.g. if sub-commitees or lower were to form new finances for buying things, the priest would not have a decision in that. (But they would need to respect it) Within committees of seperate departments a number of sub-committees is set up so that the need of parishioners help and priests wouldn't be swamped with tons of work overload. And besides not every priest is power hungry.

The best solution would be to get rid of parish councils and allow the Bishops to more directly manage the affairs and money of the parishes under his omophorion, but until we can solve the greater problem of parish councils there are temporary solutions to the problem of underpaid clergy in every Jurisdiction.

I am unfamiliar with how Orthodox parish councils work, their actual authority, etc.

However, I would be cautious about granting too much power to the bishops over the parishes by destroying the ability of parishes to govern a themselves. It is not a complete solution, and it can lead to very real other problems.

Allow me to illustrate with my own experience. I am Roman Catholic, and bishops in my Church have ultimate power over the parishes within their jurisdiction. Now, there is a shortage of priests in the U.S. in the Catholic Church. Thus, there are too many parishes for the existing and projected number of priests. What to do?

Some bishops have required priests to serve more than one parish. This can work reasonably well if the parishes are small, if they are geographically close to each other, and if the priest has to cover no more than two or three parishes. However, priests in some diocese (in Ohio and Iowa, for example) are responsible for up to six parishes ! Unsurprisingly, this leads to priests becoming fatigued or exhausted, and the people are not being effectively pastored.

Other bishops have imported priests from other countries to supplement their domestic priests. This can work. It can also lead to problems when the priests have cultural attitudes (particularly about the roles of women) that are not consistent with American attitudes about the equality of women with men. Moreover, this policy is at best a stop-gap measure because it fails to solve the root issue: Catholic men in America are generally refusing to become priests.

Other bishops have closed parishes so that the number of parishes is equal to the existing and projected number of priests. On the one hand, this solution can be effective. It avoids the exhaustion of priests from constant traveling to other parishes and repeating the same services. On the other hand, it has two serious negative consequences. One is that the resulting parishes are large and often impersonal. Second, viable Christian communities (small parishes) are often the first targets of closure. Yes, some of them are small because they are the elderly remnants of a once Catholic population that has since moved away; yes, others are small because they are rural and they were founded when people could not drive but instead had to walk or use an animal to get to church. In other words, many of the smaller parishes that are closed are deemed "superfluous" due to shifting demographics and the widespread use of cars in America. Nevertheless, some of these parishes are / were not dying: they had families and plenty of money and so on. They are / were closed because there are not enough priests. Having been a member of such a small, viable but "superfluous" parish that was closed, I can tell you from personal experience that it is very painful for a living community to be closed simply at the order of the bishop --and not being to a thing about it.

Finally, other bishops have allowed parishes to remain open even if there are not enough priests. This solution allows viable communities ((parishes) to remain alive. However, there are still not enough priests. Hence, priests can only come to the parish occasionally. Thus, communion services are substituted for Mass / Divine Liturgy. That produces two problems. First, a communion service is not the same as Mass / Divine Liturgy. Second, however, is that the communion services are usually performed by married laity / deacons or by nuns. This naturally gets people to wondering: Why don't we (the Catholic Church) just allow married priests and women priests? Both ideas are anathema under the governance of the last and the present bishops of Rome. Hence, some bishops do not want to purse this option for fear of stimulating their people to ask prohibited questions.

In my opinion, there is no perfect solution -- except to inspire more Catholic men to love Jesus Christ enough to give up everything which the world offers in order to serve Him. Married priests (outside of the Eastern / Uniate rites) is not a realistic option under the current pope, and women priests are simply not an option in the Catholic Church. Instead, a combination of the four solutions mentioned above appears to be needed till more Catholic men can be inspired to join the Catholic priesthood.

Yet, there are three valuable lesson here for this discussion.

1.In the Catholic Church, it is the bishops who have the ultimate authority to decide the matters of whether a parish will exist and whether a parish will have a priest. For all the lovely talk about the laity in Vatican II, it amounts to nothing in terms of practical power. However, based upon what I have read here, it seems that the laity in the Orthodox Church have at least some real power, to balance the power of their bishops, which they can use to preserve the existence of their parishes and have a say in who will be their priest. Is this accurate? If so, it would seem to me that the power of Orthodox laity is significant and valuable.

2.Also, I have read several comments on this thread that parish councils have too much power over their priests which they express by being cheap in their compensation of their priests. I have a related question. Do Orthodox parish councils try to influence their parish priests --especially in the content of their preaching and ministry-- by the threat (implied or otherwise) of reducing compensation or firing their priests? I have heard of this happening occasionally with Protestant churches, but I am honestly ignorant about Orthodox parishes.

3.Finally, I am curious: is there a shortage of priests in the jurisdictions (Greek, OCA, etc.) of the Orthodox churches in America? It appears, from this discussion, that there is not a shortage because it appears that Orthodox men are willing to become priests even if they must work second jobs to support themselves and their families. If there is not a shortage of Orthodox priests: why (in your opinion) are your men willing to become priests but Catholic men are refusing to become priests?

1.In the Catholic Church, it is the bishops who have the ultimate authority to decide the matters of whether a parish will exist and whether a parish will have a priest. For all the lovely talk about the laity in Vatican II, it amounts to nothing in terms of practical power. However, based upon what I have read here, it seems that the laity in the Orthodox Church have at least some real power, to balance the power of their bishops, which they can use to preserve the existence of their parishes and have a say in who will be their priest. Is this accurate? If so, it would seem to me that the power of Orthodox laity is significant and valuable.

I think the best way to put it is that many of the GOA hierarchs see themselves as being in a dialogue with the parish councils. Ultimately the power resides with the Metropolitan. Wise Metropolitans listen to the statements of the Parish Council as well as the parish priest, and then help the Parish Council to make a decision that the Metropolitan wanted in the first place.

A parish council should not be making decisions that break their relationship with their Hierarch. However, this does happen when the Council deludes themselves into thinking that they are the source of ecclesiastical authority (look up the situation in Corona, Queens where His Grace Sabbas properly exerted his authority over several unfortunate decisions).

So, there is no one answer to your question. From my sojourns in Catholicism, it seems as if there is more communication between a Parish Council and their hierarch in EO than RC, but no parish council can directly oppose their hierarch and remain legitimate. That is the struggle in the GOA.

Quote

2.Also, I have read several comments on this thread that parish councils have too much power over their priests which they express by being cheap in their compensation of their priests. I have a related question. Do Orthodox parish councils try to influence their parish priests --especially in the content of their preaching and ministry-- by the threat (implied or otherwise) of reducing compensation or firing their priests? I have heard of this happening occasionally with Protestant churches, but I am honestly ignorant about Orthodox parishes.

Quote

A Parish Council cannot fire their priest. This was attempted within the GOA by other councils (such as Charlotte, NC) and the councils have rightfully gotten their heads handed back to them by the Hierarch when word got to him.

Now, the Council can complain about their priest to their hierarch, and usually the hierarch will investigate things and make a decision about the situation, and this decision is not always to the satisfaction of the priest.

There may be some priests who feel they need to attenuate their sermons or ministry to be materially comfortable. The same dynamic occurs within Orthodoxy as elsewhere. However, the parish council cannot act like some Protestant council and fire their clergy---and get away with it.

Quote

3.Finally, I am curious: is there a shortage of priests in the jurisdictions (Greek, OCA, etc.) of the Orthodox churches in America? It appears, from this discussion, that there is not a shortage because it appears that Orthodox men are willing to become priests even if they must work second jobs to support themselves and their families. If there is not a shortage of Orthodox priests: why (in your opinion) are your men willing to become priests but Catholic men are refusing to become priests?

Quote

I know of no religious organization on this planet that states they have sufficient clergy for their needs.That being said, I believe the EO church in North America has a better clergy:laity ratio than the RC. Why?

Well, I am concerned that I will be accused of RC-bashing, and honestly this is not my intent. However, I think the Spirit is at work within EO and He helps convince men (like myself) that the self-emptying love of Christ is best personified in the world through the role of being an EO priest.

Now, frequently we do not come to that realization until we have lived a bit in the world. For many men, they have already married by this time in their lives, and so when they get that lightbulb moment if they are RC they cannot answer it due to their church's discipline. Sometimes these men move over to Orthodoxy and then are able to answer that call.

So, clearly it starts with the Spirit and then circumstances in the World may help derail things.

Logged

"As the sparrow flees from a hawk, so the man seeking humility flees from an argument". St John Climacus

I know of no religious organization on this planet that states they have sufficient clergy for their needs.That being said, I believe the EO church in North America has a better clergy:laity ratio than the RC. Why?

Well, I am concerned that I will be accused of RC-bashing,

Not by me ! To continue:

Quote

and honestly this is not my intent. However, I think the Spirit is at work within EO and He helps convince men (like myself) that the self-emptying love of Christ is best personified in the world through the role of being an EO priest.

Now, frequently we do not come to that realization until we have lived a bit in the world. For many men, they have already married by this time in their lives, and so when they get that lightbulb moment if they are RC they cannot answer it due to their church's discipline. Sometimes these men move over to Orthodoxy and then are able to answer that call.

So, clearly it starts with the Spirit and then circumstances in the World may help derail things.

Interesting. Very interesting. And accurate for some men I know of. They wanted to be both married and priests: not for a lack of love for Christ nor out of weakness but because they genuinely felt called / built by God to be married and to be priests. Yet, that option wasn't available for them in the Roman Catholic Church.

On the other hand, I also know of some men who feel called to the celibate priesthood but who just won't make that jump because of a lack of faith and trust in Christ.

Personally, I think the Orthodox have the right idea on the priesthood: allow married as well as single men to be parish priests. The married men bring their experience of family life to their calling, which can greatly enrich their pastoral ability and which can make it easier for people to relate to their priests. Also, celibate parish priests are a very good witness: that the power of God is mightier than even the sex drive, and that God really does call all of us to live entirely for Him, and that God really does call some men and women to give it **all** up so they can serve Him and His Church with complete freedom. That is a powerful set of lessons --by both married and celibate priests--to be made at the parish level, when the laity are so often otherwise exposed to the incessant message from the world of selfishness and self-gratification. And the message is that we can and should live for God, joyfully, regardless of our state of life.

Also, thank you Chris for your clarification on the role and authority of the bishop / metropolitan in relation to the parish council.

I have never been to a (St. John Chrysostom) liturgy that lasted longer than about 1.5 hours; even with Hours we are talking 2 hours at the most. Though I do have to admit, when I went to a liturgy in the Greek language it felt like 3-4 hours.

Every time I go, I feel like I am there for 100 years. and this byzantine music is so boring. Every time I go there to worship, I forget the reason I went there in the next five minutes. However, I do lght a candle, and pray a little. Then I am waiting for the mass to end.

Every time I go, I feel like I am there for 100 years. and this byzantine music is so boring. Every time I go there to worship, I forget the reason I went there in the next five minutes. However, I do lght a candle, and pray a little. Then I am waiting for the mass to end.

The first or second evening I was in Russia I went to a big cathedral and waited 3 hours in line for confession. When I finally got to the front of the line, the priest said that those (like me) who hadn't been in the pre-confession prayer service (that I hadn't recognized) off to the side of the church wouldn't get to go to confession that day.

I mentioned this story once to someone in a Russian Orthodox journal, and they acted like this all made perfect sense.

Trust me Tweety, even three hours in liturgy with occasional kneeling is so much better than three hours waiting at night for confession you aren't allowed to go to.

Every time I go, I feel like I am there for 100 years. and this byzantine music is so boring. Every time I go there to worship, I forget the reason I went there in the next five minutes. However, I do lght a candle, and pray a little. Then I am waiting for the mass to end.

The first or second evening I was in Russia I went to a big cathedral and waited 3 hours in line for confession. When I finally got to the front of the line, the priest said that those (like me) who hadn't been in the pre-confession prayer service (that I hadn't recognized) off to the side of the church wouldn't get to go to confession that day.

I mentioned this story once to someone in a Russian Orthodox journal, and they acted like this all made perfect sense.

Trust me Tweety, even three hours in liturgy with occasional kneeling is so much better than three hours waiting at night for confession you aren't allowed to go to.

Just engaging in a bit of unfair profiling, but I consider it highly unlikely that he arrives any time before "ta ayia tis ayis" / "the holy things are for the holy", in any event.